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Hackett, Kelly Washington Invited to Minicamp (Updated)

Veteran wide receivers D.J. Hackett and Kelly Washington will take part in the three-day minicamp that begins at 11 a.m. today at Redskins Park.

Both are non-roster invitees and Jason Reid reported on Washington's participation about a week ago. Hackett is someone with a lot of experience in West Coast systems. He played in Seattle while Coach Jim Zorn was there and visited Redskins Park last offseason, with the team offering only a one-year, veteran minimum deal.

Malcolm Kelly is coming off another knee issue, Devin Thomas has much to prove and James Thrash may perhaps finally be vulnerable to age, so that's a spot that could use some upgrades and improved depth.

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The Skins announced that they've signed Vaka Manupuna, a defensive tackle. If that name is familiar, it's because he originally signed with the team as a free agent out of the University of Colorado in 2006. According to the team, he was released after training camp and then signed to the practice squad. He also was on the New York Jets' practice squad in 2006. Manupuna was in training camp with the Redskins in 2007 and then was released. He played in the Arena Football League last year.

Very psyched about the defense after reading the Haynesworth and Orakpo articles today……I cannot wait to see this defense hit the field…..Zorny better start electing to kickoff whenever we win the coin toss before games this year!

For what it's worth, Eli Manning was on Mike & Mike this morning talking about rookies. Eli said the first year in the NFL is very challenging for rookies - especially if they have injuries. And that it usually takes a year or two to get adjusted.

I'm trying to figure out why nobody offered Hackett earlier in free agency. He was supposed to be this hot receiver leaving Seattle before last season and now he's a minicamp invitee?

Looks like he was active only 9 games in Charlotte, started 2 and caught only 13 passes. Still, he average 14 yards a catch, which is certainly respectable. At 6'2" and 210, you'd put him in the mix with Kelly and Thomas.

By the way, it's probably easier if Jason just lists the few American football players who the Redskins HAVEN'T invited to this minicamp. For instance, I'm fairly sure Art Monk isn't here. But as for the rest of them, I'll have to check the roster.

and has been part of a losing and a winning organization, so i'm sure he has learned a lot. also, he is from virginia... can't go wrong with guys with local ties. and on that point, i really like the signing of edwin williams of maryland. really good backup for center. under the tutelage of bugel he could turn into something special. very bright guy.